From New Left Review, does Sarkozy’s victory mean the electorate is finally in tune? A review of Les Nouveaux chiens de garde by Serge Halimi. A look at why a language turned on its head is taken to heart by France. Theodore Dalrymple on the problem with leniency: France’s early release of Bernard Cantat sends the wrong message. It's a wonder Belgium has stayed united for so long: Now, after 156 days without a national government, the country is heading for meltdown. A review of Gomorrah: A Personal Journey Into the Violent International Empire of Naples’ Organized Crime System by Roberto Saviano. A fresh translation of the Portuguese classic The Maias by Eca de Queiros offers a poignant portrait of a country's decline. From New Statesman, a look at the top ten Tory twits: Conservative Party mavericks have always been good at bringing the House down; and an article on the right to sell labour: There can be a coherent strategy for immigration. Fear of foreigners: What Denmark's election says about Europe's hostility to outsiders. Why Sweden's not perfect, after all: The Swedes seem to slide effortlessly into first place — or thereabouts - - in bloody everything worth prizing. From New Politics, As pressure grows in Canada to adopt the American justice model of harsh prisons and long sentences, Finland has saved millions and prevented centuries of human misery doing the opposite. Ian Buruma on the lucky little countries of Europe. A review of Peasant Europe by H. Hessell Tiltman.
